MANALAPAN – Teenagers who have an interest in law enforcement will be able to pursue those interests in the first Manalapan Police Youth Academy this summer.
The Manalapan Police Department will offer the program from July 22-26 for young men and young women between the ages of 13 and 16. The program offers police academy style training, instructional classes, physical fitness and drill. Participation is not limited to residents of Manalapan.
The program is being organized by Sgt. Robert Herring and Patrolman Kyle Earley. The patrolman said they approached Police Chief Michael Fountain with the idea and a description of what they hoped to offer and received the chief’s approval to proceed.
“The goal is to build a relationship between youths and the police department. We would like to open the eyes of children to the work we do,” Earley said.
The week-long program will have the youths take part in drills in the morning and physical training in the afternoon.
In between those activities there will be demonstrations by representatives of the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as by K-9 police units, and helicopter landings from the New Jersey State Police and the Army National Guard, Earley said.
The young men and women will go on two field trips during the week – to Naval Weapons Station Earle and to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office STARS (Situational Training and Response Simulator) facility, he said.
Daily activities will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Manalapan High School. The fee of $50 will cover the cost of uniforms, supplies and activities.
Earley said the organizers of the police youth academy are seeking sponsorships for the program. Business operators and/or residents who would like to make a donation may reach out to Earley at 732-446-8391 or via email at kearley@manalapanpolice.org.
Anyone who is interested in attending the Manalapan Police Youth Academy is required to complete a pre-application and drop it off at Manalapan police headquarters no later than June 15.
To download an application, visit www.ManalapanPolice.org. For additional information, contact Sgt. Robert Herring or Patrolman Kyle Earley at 732-446-8391.
